Interactive role-play toy apparatus

ABSTRACT

An interactive toy apparatus. The apparatus may include a launch assembly adapted to receive a communication signal and to project one or more projectiles corresponding to a launch result corresponding thereto. The launch result may be representative of one of a plurality of actions of the launch assembly including projecting at least one projectile from the launch assembly. The apparatus may include an input assembly disposed remotely from the launch assembly and having a plurality of manually operable input devices each adapted to transmit an input signal. Optionally, the apparatus may include a control system in communication with the launch assembly and with the input assembly. The control system may be adapted to receive a combination of input signals and to determine a launch command, corresponding to one of the plurality of actions of the launch assembly therefrom. The control system may be further adapted to transmit the communication signal representative of the launch command to the launch assembly.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/734,686, filed on Nov. 7, 2005, the completedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety and for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to interactive role-play toy apparatus,and more particularly to interactive role-play toy apparatus thatinclude an input assembly having a plurality of manually operable inputdevices, a control system in communication with the input assembly andwith a launch assembly that is adapted to project at least oneprojectile from the launch assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

An interactive role-play toy apparatus may include one or more inputdevices that may be manipulated by a participant, and a launch assemblymay be adapted to perform one or more actions corresponding to themanipulations. Examples of interactive apparatus, hand-operatedelectronic input devices, and/or projectile launchers are found in U.S.Pat. Nos. 2,603,203; 3,487,824; 3,515,114; 3,876,201; 4,248,202;4,414,537; 4,613,139; 5,050,575; 5,288,078; 5,488,362; 5,613,482;5,647,338; 6,110,000; 6,128,004; 6,141,643; 6,224,457; 6,227,968;6,244,873; 6,253,058; 6,273,421; 6,422,911; 6,454,625; 6,497,604;6,497,606; 6,514,117; 6,544,098; 6,586,942; 6,599,166; 6,682,390;6,884,186; 6,967,596; 6,700,051; and 6,878,870; in U.S. Design PatentNo. D472035; in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2001/0040550;2002/0037759; 2003/0003839; 2004/0012557; 2004/0048666; 2005/0139679;and 2005/0233707; and in PCT Patent Application Publication No.WO96/03190. The entire disclosures of each of the patents, patentapplications, and patent application publications recited in this and inother paragraphs are all incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety and for all purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An interactive toy apparatus may include a launch assembly adapted toreceive a communication signal and to project one or more projectilescorresponding to a launch result corresponding thereto. The launchresult may be representative of one of a plurality of actions of thelaunch assembly including projecting at least one projectile from thelaunch assembly. The apparatus may also include an input assemblydisposed remotely from the launch assembly and having a plurality ofmanually operable input devices each adapted to transmit an inputsignal. Optionally, the apparatus may include a control system incommunication with the launch assembly and with the input assembly. Thecontrol system may be adapted to receive a combination of input signalsand to determine a launch command, corresponding to one of the pluralityof actions of the launch assembly therefrom. The control system may befurther adapted to transmit the communication signal representative ofthe launch command to the launch assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary interactive role-play toyapparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic of an interactive role-play toy apparatusaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the remote module of the exemplaryinteractive role-play toy apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the remote module of the exemplary interactiverole-play toy apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a table showing exemplary game activity that may be responsiveto exemplary combinations of input signals of the interactive role-playtoy apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Interactive role-play toy apparatus may provide play experiences forchild users to perform various user actions and to experience, as aresult of the user actions, one or more visible, audible, and/or tactilesensations. For example, the interactive role-play toy apparatus mayinclude an input assembly adapted to be manipulated by the user toprovide input signals that are transmitted to a processor. The processormay determine a launch command corresponding to the received inputsignals representative of the launch command, and to transmitcommunication signals to a launcher assembly. The launcher assembly maybe adapted to project one or more projectiles corresponding to thelaunch command.

Turning now to the drawings, a schematic representation of an exemplaryinteractive role-play toy apparatus is shown in FIG. 1, and is indicatedgenerally at 20. FIG. 1 shows an interactive ninja role-play toyapparatus 22 as an example of interactive role-play toy apparatus 20,that may provide a role-play environment. Other embodiments may provideother role-play environments such as athletic events, combat activities,or the like.

Interactive ninja role-play toy apparatus 22 may include an inputassembly 24, a control system 26, and a launch assembly 28. Optionally,the input assembly may be coupled to the control system to cumulativelyform a remote module 30 that may be adapted to be worn on the body of aplayer or user 32 of the interactive ninja role-play toy apparatus. Forexample, the remote module may be adapted to attach to the wrist 34and/or hand 36 of the user. Accordingly, the remote module may includeone or more straps 38 that may be adapted to affix the remote module tothe wrist and/or the hand.

Remote module 30 may be coupled to launch assembly by a communicationlinkage 40, for example a wireless linkage 42. The remote module may beadapted to transmit wireless signals 44 to and/or receive wirelesssignals from launch assembly 28. Wireless signal 44 may include anysuitable electromagnetic energy such as electric fields, magneticfields, electromagnetic radiation at radio-frequency (RF), infraredradiation, or optical radiation. Wireless linkage 42 may have anysuitable range of effective transmission of wireless signals 44. Forexample, the range of effective transmission may be five feet, eightfeet, ten feet, fifteen feet, or longer. This effective range oftransmission may correspond to a distance that player 32 may stand awayfrom the launch assembly while performing role-play tasks with theremote module. Accordingly, the launch assembly may be disposed remotelyfrom the remote module.

The launch assembly may be adapted to project one or more projectilesrepresentative of a launch result that is representative of one aplurality of actions of the launch assembly may be adapted to perform,including projecting at least one projectile 46 from the launchassembly. In some examples, the launch assembly may be adapted tooperate at a location that is remote from input assembly 24 and/or fromcontrol system 26.

As particularly shown in FIG. 2, remote module 30 may include inputassembly 24, control system 26, a power supply 48, and a sensory outputdevice 50. Input assembly 24 may include a plurality of manuallyoperable input devices 52 that are each adapted to transmit an inputsignal 54. In some examples, the input devices may include a pluralityof contact switches 56 that are each adapted to be manually actuated toclose a circuit, thereby producing the input signals. However, the inputdevices may include any combination of joysticks, trackballs, levelswitches, contact switches, or other devices that have electricalproperties modified by manual actuation, such as by creating an opencircuit, a closed circuit, and/or a modified impedance, resistance,capacitance, and/or inductance.

Power supply 48 may include one or more batteries, an AC/DC converter,and the like. Sensory output device 50 may include one or more elementsthat are adapted to produce one or more sensory outputs to the user ofthe interactive role-play toy apparatus, such as visible, audible,and/or tactile sensations. For example, the sensory output device mayinclude a speaker device 58 that is adapted to produce sounds 60. Remotemodule 30 may further include a plurality of linkages 62 that mayinclude a combination of cables, wires, and/or wireless connections thatare adapted to transmit input signals 54 and/or power between componentsof interactive role-play toy apparatus 20.

Control system 26 may include one or more analog or digital circuits,logic units, or processors for operating programs stored as software inmemory, and may include one or more distinct units in communication witheach other. The control system may be adapted to produce and transmitoutput signals 64 to one or more other elements of the interactiverole-play toy apparatus. For example, the control system may be adaptedto produce and transmit audio output signals 66 to speaker device 58along one or more linkages 62.

As has been suggested, remote module 30 may be adapted to transmitwireless signals 44. Accordingly, the remote unit may include a wirelesstransmitter 68 that is electrically coupled to the control system viaone or more linkages 62.

Optionally, remote module 30 may include a computer readable medium 70such as memory components to store game parameters. Computer readablemedium 70 may be either non-removable, or removable in order to transferparameters to other interactive role-play toy apparatus 20, and may eachbe a read-only medium or a read-write medium. Additionally oralternatively, the computer readable medium may include one or moresequences of instructions that, when executed by one or more processorssuch as control system, interactive role-play toy apparatus 20 may playalternatively themed role-play games.

Launch assembly 28 may include a power supply 72, a wireless receiver74, one or more launch assembly input devices 76, a launch processor 78,and a launcher 80. Power supply 72 may include one or more batteries, anAC/DC converters or the like. Wireless receiver 74 may be adapted toreceive wireless signals 44 that are transmitted from remote module 30,for example at wireless transmitter 68. Launch assembly input devices 76may include any combination of joysticks, trackballs, level switches,contact switches, and so forth.

Launch processor 78 may include one or more analog or digital circuits,logic units, or processors for operating programs stored as software inmemory, and may include one or more distinct units in communication witheach other. The launch assembly may include one or more linkages 82 thatmay be adapted to electrically couple the several components of thelaunch assembly. Launcher 80 may include one or more launch units 84that may be adapted to project one or more projectiles 46 away from thelaunch assembly.

Each launch unit 84 may be adapted to project a different type and/orsize of projectiles or disks. Optionally, each launch unit may beadapted to launch the same type and size projectiles, such as disks 86.Launcher 80 may include a feed mechanism 88 that may include one or morestorage units 90 that are adapted to store projectiles within the launchassembly before they are projected.

As has been suggested previously, the launch assembly may be adapted toproject one or more projectiles that represent a launch result thatrepresents one of a plurality of actions including projecting at leastone projectile 46 from the launch assembly. In some examples, controlsystem 26 may be adapted to determine a launch command that maycorrespond to one of the plurality of actions of the launch assembly,and to transmit communication signals representative of the launchcommand to the launch assembly, for example at launch processor 78.

The transmitted launch command may be selectable from a group of launchcommands. Different launch commands of the group of launch commands maycorrespond to a different number of projected projectiles 46.Optionally, different launch commands of the group of launch commandsmay correspond to projecting projectiles 46 in different directionsrelative to the launcher. For examples, projectiles may be launched insubstantially opposite directions. In one example, the launch assemblymay be adapted to launch projectiles either away from player 32 ortoward the player.

In examples that include more than one launch unit, the launch unit mayperform a launch action such as projecting one or more projectileseither simultaneously or seriately (one-at-a-time). Each launch unit maybe adapted to project any number of projectiles in a launch action. Forexample, each launch unit may be adapted to project one, two, three, ormore projectiles at a time. In examples where the launch unit areadapted to project seriately, or one or more projectiles at a time, thelaunch units may simulate launching multiple projectiles by executingmultiple launch actions of a single projectile.

In interactive role-play toy apparatus 22 shown in FIGS. 1-2, launcher80 includes two launch units 84 that may each be adapted to projectprojectiles or disks seriately. Optionally, the launch units mayseriately perform the launch action of one or more disks. In someexamples, launch units 84 may each be adapted to project projectiles 46in a common direction away from the launcher. Accordingly, launchassembly may include a body 92 that may be rotatable about asubstantially vertical axis A to move between a plurality of positionsthat correspond to projecting projectiles away from launch assembly 28in different directions. In some examples, one position may correspondto launching one or more projectiles toward player 32. In theseexamples, the launch assembly may include one or more markings 94 thatprovide the player an indication of one or more launch directions.

Body 92 may house launcher 80 and may have one or more orifice 96through which the launcher projects the projectiles. Additionally oralternatively, the launcher may include a rotation module 98 that isadapted to effect the rotation of the body. The launcher may furtherinclude a power distribution module 100 that may be adapted to convertenergy supplied by power supply 72 into the energy required to projectprojectiles 46 and to rotate body 92. In a non-exclusive example, thepower distribution module may include one or more gear assemblies 102that are adapted to transfer the rotation of at least one electric motor104 into motion to effectively project the projectiles from thelauncher. Power distribution module 100 may also include at least onegear assembly 102 that may be linked to an axle 106 to convert rotationof the one or more electric motors 104 into rotation of body 92.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, remote module 30 is shown affixed to thewrist and the hand of player 32. The remote module includes a gloveportion 120 that may be adapted to be worn over at least a portion ofhand 36 and a housing 122, in which control system 26 is disposed. Theglove portion may be fabricated from a soft and/or conforming material,for example, fabric, and may be adorned with one or more insignia 124that illustrate the role-play theme. In some examples, the glove portionmay include one or more input devices 52, such as one or more contactswitches 56. The contact switches may be disposed on an outer surface ofthe glove portion, or may be sewn into a compartment 126 that may befabricated within the glove portion fabric.

The example shown in FIGS. 3-4 includes four contact switches 56. Twocontact switches may be disposed on each side 128 of glove portion 120.For example, one contact sensor 56 may be located in finger area 130 ofeach side 128. Optionally, one contact sensor 56 may be located in thecentral area 132 of each side. In some examples, one or more contactswitches may be disposed at locations corresponding to one or moreinsignia 124.

Linkages 62 such as wires 134 may extend from the one or more contactswitches 56 to the control system within housing 122. The housing mayalso include speaker device 58 and one or more buttons 136. The buttonsmay be adapted to be actuated by player 32 to transmit one or more inputsignals 54 that may control one or play modes of interactive ninjarole-play toy apparatus 22, the volume of the sound output of speakerdevice 58, and the like.

Referring again to FIG. 1 and with continued reference to FIG. 2-4,interactive ninja role-play toy apparatus 22 may include play modes thatallow the player to perform a plurality of role-play tasks bymanipulating one or more contact switches 56. The contact switches 56may be actuated in any combination.

Each combination of input signals 54 created by combinations of contactswitches 56 may correspond to one or more ninja hand seals to beexecuted while performing the role-play tasks. Optionally, player 32 maycontinue to depress one or more contact switches 56 while actuating oneor more additional contact switches to form a combination of the contactswitches, thereby transmitting a combination of input signals 54.Contact switches 56 may be adapted to be depressed in any suitablemanner. For example, player 32 may depress the contact switches withfingers 138 of an opposite hand 140, as shown in FIG. 1. Contactswitches may also be depressed by pressing the contact switches againstother body parts such as a chest, a leg, etc., or against one or morefixed surfaces such a table or a chair. Optionally, one or more inputdevices 52, such as contact switches 56, may be disposed in othercomponents of interactive role-play apparatus 20, for example withinopposite glove 142.

In some examples, an order in which the contact switches are depressedmay determine the combination of contact switches executed. At theconclusion of each sequence, the player may release each of thedepressed contact switches. Optionally, if the player waits for at leasta predetermined period of time, for example two seconds, beforeactuating a successive contact sensor, the control system may determinethat the current combination has been completed and that a newcombination has been started.

In the present example in which four contact switches are used,combinations may include one, two, three, or four contact switches. Oneor more role-play tasks may include performing a sequence ofcombinations of actuated contact switches. In some examples the playermay wait a predetermined period of time after releasing the contactswitches corresponding to one sequence prior to commencing a successivesequence.

Also in the illustrated example, remote module 30 is worn on the lefthand and wrist of player 32, and opposite glove 142 is worn on the righthand. In some examples, the remote module may be adapted to be worn oneither hand of the player. Optionally, the remote unit may be adapted tobe worn on alternative locations on the body of the player, such as onthe head, waist, legs, or chest of the player.

Interactive role-play toy apparatus 20 such as interactive ninjarole-play toy apparatus 22 may include a plurality of game modes thatallow player 32 to perform one or more tasks, or series of tasks, withremote module 30, for example input assembly 24. Additionally, theinteractive ninja role-play toy apparatus may include a number of skilllevel settings that may determine the complexity of the tasks of eachmode. Available modes may include race-like modes and accuracy modes.

Accordingly, interactive ninja role-play apparatus 22 may provide one ormore mode selection and/or difficulty selection prompts. Control system28 may transmit audio output signals 66 that speaker device 58 convertsinto sounds 60 that include selection instructions. In response, player32 may actuate one or more input devices 52 to generate one or moreinput signals 54 that the control system receives and determinestherefrom the selected mode and/or difficulty level. Input devices 52may include launch assembly input devices 76, contact switches 56,and/or buttons 136.

Race-like modes of interactive ninja role-play toy apparatus 22 mayinclude a “The Way of the Shenobi” mode, in which the player ischallenged to cause launch assembly 28 to project a specific numberand/or type of projectiles 46 in as short a time span as possible byexecuting specific manipulations of input assembly 24. In this mode,players may compete against playmates to see who can complete the taskin the fastest time.

In this “The Way of the Shenobi” mode, control system 26, in response toreceiving different combinations of input signals 54 from contactswitches 56, may determine the launch command based upon the receivedcombination of input signals, or upon the received sequence ofcombinations. Optionally, the control system, in response to receivingsequences corresponding to different degrees of difficulty, maydetermine different launch commands that correspond to different numbersof projected projectiles 46. Receiving combinations that include agreater number of input signals may result in launch commandscorresponding to projecting a greater number of projectiles.

For example, FIG. 5 shows a table 150 that shows non-exclusiverelationships between the number of contact switches that are actuatedin a given combination and the number of projected projectiles in acorresponding launch result. As shown in table 150, a combination thatincludes actuating one contact switch may effect a launch resultcorresponding to one projected projectile. Similarly, a combination thatincludes actuating either two or three contact switches may effect alaunch result corresponding to two projected projectiles. Additionally,a combination that includes actuating all four contact switches mayeffect a launch result corresponding to five projected projectiles. Inother examples, different combinations of the same number of contactswitches may effect launch results corresponding to different numbers ofprojected projectiles.

Additionally or alternatively, interactive ninja role-play toy apparatus22 may include a “The Chakra Speed Test” mode, in which player 32attempts to effect one or more launch results corresponding to thelaunch assembly cumulatively projecting a specific number and/or type ofprojectiles before a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Duringplay of the “The Chakra Speed Test” mode, all projected projectiles maybe projected in a common different direction. For example, theprojectiles may be launched in a direction away from player 32. If theplayer is unsuccessful in completing the task, the remote unit mayrotate about axis A and project at least a portion of all remainingprojectiles in a different direction, for example toward the player.

Interactive ninja role-play toy apparatus 22 may also include anaccuracy mode, “The Sensai Command,” in which player 32 is challenged toexecute one of a group of one or more combinations of contact switchesand/or one or more sequences of combinations. In this mode, controlsystem 26 may transmit audio output signals 66 to sensory output device50, for example speaker device 58, that correspond to an expectedcombination of input signals and/or to an expected sequence ofcombinations.

The transmitted audio output signals may correspond to sounds 60 thatinclude audible commands. The audible commands may call out specificnamed combinations or sequences, which the player may then execute.Additionally or alternatively, audible commands may call out a specificnumber and/or type of projectiles that are to be projected. The playermay then select a combination or sequences to execute, based uponknowledge of which specific combinations or sequences correspond to thenumber and type of projected projectiles. Optionally, sounds 60 mayinclude audible feedback or acknowledgements of executed combinations ofinput signals and/or sequences of combinations.

The control system may determine the launch command by comparing thereceived combination or the received sequence of combinations with theexpected combination or sequence. If the received combination orsequence corresponds to expected combination or sequence, then thelaunch command may correspond to projecting the projectiles from thelaunch assembly in a common direction that may be away from the playerand/or continuation of the game. However, if the received combination orsequence does not correspond to the expected combination or sequence,then the launch command may correspond to projecting the projectiles ina different direction, for example toward the player and/or ending thegame.

Play with interactive role-play toy apparatus 20 may include any numberof “special” combinations or sequences that may have special meaning invarious modes of game play. Different “special” combinations orsequences may correspond to different degrees of difficulty. Forexample, “special” combinations or sequences may release all remainingprojectiles and cause the player either to “win” or to “lose.”Additionally or alternatively, “special” combinations or sequences maygrant a player more time to complete a task, increase the player'sscore, or the opposite actions. Instructions to execute some or allcombinations or sequences may be disclosed to players in a user'smanual. Alternatively, at least one combination or sequence, andespecially “special” combinations or sequences, may not be disclosed toencourage the player to experiment with the apparatus.

This disclosure may include one or more independent or interdependentinventions directed to various combinations of features, functions,elements and/or properties. While examples of apparatus and methods areparticularly shown and described, many variations may be made therein.Various combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions,elements and/or properties may be claimed in one or more relatedapplications. Such variations, whether they are directed to differentcombinations or directed to the same combinations, whether different,broader, narrower or equal in scope, are regarded as included within thesubject matter of the present disclosure.

The described examples are illustrative and directed to specificexamples of apparatus and/or methods rather than a specific invention,and no single feature or element, or combination thereof, is essentialto all possible combinations. Thus, any one of various inventions thatmay be claimed based on the disclosed example or examples does notnecessarily encompass all or any particular features, characteristics orcombinations, unless subsequently specifically claimed. Where “a” or “afirst” element or the equivalent thereof is recited, such usage includesone or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or moresuch elements. Further, ordinal indicators, such as first, second orthird, for identified elements are used to distinguish between theelements, and do not indicate a required or limited number of suchelements, and do not indicate a particular position or order of suchelements unless otherwise specifically indicated.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The methods and apparatus described in the present disclosure areapplicable to toys, games, and other devices, and to industries in whichamusement devices are used.

1. An interactive toy apparatus, comprising: a launch assembly adaptedto receive a communication signal and to project one or more projectilesrepresentative of a launch result corresponding to the communicationsignal, the launch result being representative of one of a plurality ofactions the launch assembly is adapted to perform including projectingat least one projectile from the launch assembly; an input assemblydisposed remotely from the launch assembly and including a plurality ofmanually operable input devices that are each adapted to transmit aninput signal; and a control system in communication with the launchassembly and with the input assembly, the control system adapted toreceive a combination of input signals and to determine a launch commandtherefrom, the launch command corresponding to one of the plurality ofactions of the launch assembly, the control system further adapted totransmit the communication signal representative of the launch commandto the launch assembly.
 2. The interactive toy apparatus of claim 1,wherein the launch command is selectable from a group of launch commandsincluding at least a first launch command and a second launch command,wherein the first launch command corresponds to a first number ofprojected projectiles, and wherein the second launch command correspondsto a second number of projected projectiles that is different from thefirst number of projected projectiles.
 3. The interactive toy apparatusof claim 1, wherein the launch command is selectable from a group oflaunch commands including at least a first launch command and a secondlaunch command, wherein the first launch command corresponds toprojecting one or more projectiles in a first direction and wherein thesecond launch command corresponds to projecting one or more projectilesin a second direction that is different from the first direction.
 4. Theinteractive toy apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second direction issubstantially opposite the first direction.
 5. The interactive toyapparatus of claim 3, wherein the launch assembly includes a body thathouses a launcher that is adapted to project the at least one projectilefrom the launch assembly, the body having at least one orifice throughwhich the launcher projects the at least one projectile, the body beingrotatable about a substantially vertical axis to move between a firstposition in which the projectiles are projected in the first directionand a second position in which the projectiles are projected in thesecond direction.
 6. The interactive toy apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe control system is adapted to transmit the communication signals aselectromagnetic energy, and wherein the launch assembly is adapted toreceive the electromagnetic energy.
 7. The interactive toy apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a remote module that includes the inputassembly and the control system.
 8. The interactive toy apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of input devices includes a plurality ofcontact switches that are each adapted to be manually actuated to closea circuit, thereby transmitting the input signal.
 9. The interactive toyapparatus of claim 1, wherein the control system is further adapted totransmit output signals to a sensory output device that is adaptedproduce a sensory output that includes at least one of an indication ofgame performance and instructions to the user of the interactive toyapparatus to manually operate the input assembly to produce one of acorresponding group of combinations of input signals.
 10. Theinteractive toy apparatus of claim 9, wherein the sensory output deviceincludes a speaker device disposed within the remote module.
 11. Amethod of interactive gameplay, comprising: transmitting a combinationof one or more input signals, each input signal being generated inresponse to activation of one input device of a plurality of inputdevices; receiving the combination of one or more input signals;transmitting a communication signal representative of one of a group oflaunch commands, each launch command corresponding to one of a pluralityof actions of a launch assembly including projecting at least oneprojectile from the launch assembly; receiving the communication signalat the launch assembly that is disposed at a location that is remotefrom the input devices; and projecting from the launch assembly one ormore projectiles corresponding to a launch result in response to thereceived communication signal, the launch result corresponding to theone of the group of launch commands and including projecting at leastone projectile from the launch assembly.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the plurality of input devices are included with a inputassembly, and wherein the method further comprises: attaching the inputassembly to a body of a user.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein theactions of the launch assembly include projecting a first number ofprojectiles from the launch assembly and projecting a second number ofprojectiles from the launch assembly, wherein the second number isdifferent from the first number.
 14. The method of claim 13, whereintransmitting a combination of one or more input signals includes one oftransmitting a first combination of input signals and transmitting asecond combination of input signals, wherein a first launch resultrepresents projecting a first number of projectiles from the launchassembly, and wherein a second launch result represents projecting asecond number of projectiles from the launch assembly; whereintransmitting a communication signal includes one of transmitting a firstcommand signal and transmitting a second command signal, wherein thefirst command signal is representative of a first launch command thatcorresponds to projecting the first number of projectiles from thelaunch assembly, and wherein the second command signal is representativeof a second launch command that corresponds to projecting the secondnumber of projectiles from the launch assembly; and wherein the firstcombination of input signals corresponds to a first degree of difficultyand the second combination of input signals corresponds to a seconddegree of difficulty that is different from the first degree ofdifficulty.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the actions of thelaunch assembly include projecting one or more projectiles from thelaunch assembly in a first direction and projecting one or moreprojectiles from the launch assembly in a second direction that isdifferent from the first direction.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereintransmitting a combination of one or more input signals includes one oftransmitting a first combination of input signals and transmitting asecond combination of input signals, wherein transmitting acommunication signal includes one of transmitting a first command signaland transmitting a second command signal, wherein a first launch resultrepresents projecting the one or more projectiles from the launchassembly in the first direction, and wherein a second launch resultrepresents projecting the one or more projectiles from the launchassembly in the second direction; wherein the first command signal isrepresentative of a first launch command that corresponds to projectingthe one or more projectiles from the launch assembly in the firstdirection, and wherein the second command signal is representative of asecond launch command that corresponds to projecting the one or moreprojectiles from the launch assembly in the second direction; andwherein the first combination of input signals corresponds to anexpected combination of input signals and the second combination ofinput signals does not correspond to the expected combination of inputsignals.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providingaudible commands corresponding to the expected combination of inputsignals.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein transmitting acommunication signal includes transmitting electromagnetic energy, andwherein receiving the communication signal includes receiving theelectromagnetic energy.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein transmittinga combination of one or more input signals includes actuating one ormore of a plurality of switches that are each adapted to be actuated toclose a circuit thereby transmitting the input signals.
 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein transmitting a combination of one or more inputsignals includes: actuating a first switch of the plurality of switchesto transmit a first input signal; and actuating a second switch of theplurality of switches to transmit a second input signal, wherein thesecond switch is different from the first switch.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein actuating a second switch includes continuing toactuate the first switch.
 22. The method of claim 19, whereintransmitting a combination of one or more input signals includes:transmitting a first combination of one or more input signals includingactuating a first switch of the plurality of switches to transmit afirst input signal; waiting a predetermined period of time; andtransmitting a second combination of one or more input signals includingactuating a second switch of the plurality of switches to transmit asecond input signal, the second switch being different from the firstswitch.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein waiting includes releasingthe first switch.
 24. The method of claim 11, further comprisingproviding sensory output corresponding to the launch command.